Department: CAS Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
Classification: Cook 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Seasonal (Classified), Ongoing
Salary: $18.06 - $23.88 per hour
FTE: 1.0
Review of Applications Begins
March 3, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete applications should include:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. Three (3) professional references with contact information.
Department Summary
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.
Founded in 1924, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) is the third oldest marine laboratory on the Pacific Coast. The 130-acre campus located about two hours from Eugene maintains housing, teaching, and research facilities for University of Oregon students and faculty as well as visiting investigators and students from other institutions. Resident faculty are members of the Biology department and conduct research on the development, ecology, evolution, and physiology of marine organisms worldwide from the intertidal zone to the deep sea.
Position Summary
The Cook 1 prepares and serves meals for students, staff, visiting groups, and special events at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB). This position is a vital member of the kitchen staff at OIMB and is responsible for duties that include the storage of food, cleaning the kitchen and equipment, keeping the work area sanitary, and maintaining records, including an accurate count of meals served. The Cook 1 will prepare meals according to menus, recipes, and/or verbal instructions, and utilize cooking methods such as boiling, grilling, steaming, roasting, and baking. This position reports to the Operations Manager at OIMB and will assist other cooks as needed.
This position works seasonally with unpaid breaks of up to a month between the academic terms. OIMB serves three meals a day, seven days a week for an average of 25-50 people. Special events and groups can bring the number served up to 110. Fewer meals are served during the fall and winter terms.
Work Conditions
The person in this position works in a commercial kitchen with stoves and ovens, hot liquids and steam, machinery with moving parts or blades, and sharp implements. This position typically requires the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 pounds, and may involve the use of a step stool to reach items on top shelves. The person in this position enters and works for short periods inside a walk-in cooler and freezer, as well as over hot cooking surfaces, and in humid conditions.
Work Schedule
This position works a flexible schedule that may include night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Schedules will vary depending on the needs of the unit and may include a mixture of morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts.
Special Requirements
• Must have or be able to obtain a current Oregon Food Handler card within two weeks of employment.
• This position may drive a university vehicle to assist with grocery shopping, which if assigned, would require a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain UO Driver’s/Van Certification.
Minimum Requirements
• One (1) year of experience as a cook in a commercial food service facility, OR
• Possession of a Certificate of Completion in culinary arts and/or Foods and Hospitality Service from a certified community college or technical school.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to utilize menus, recipes, worksheets, and usage reports.
• Ability to perform basic math as needed to scale recipes to meet needs.
• Record-keeping skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA Exempt: No
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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